Stephens says his grandson fulfilled a nearly lifelong dream when he joined the military right after graduating from high school in Marietta, Ohio in 2010.

Stephens says his grandson had talked about being a Marine since he was about 5, watching the History Channel and studying the military. After joining, he worked with mortars and served tours in Afghanistan and Kuwait, and was preparing for another tour in Afghanistan.

Stephens calls Taylor "polite, respectful," and says he would "do anything for anybody."